YOAKUM: Billy Eugene Taylor, age 88, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025. He was born February 7, 1937 in Yoakum to Louis and Flora Ethel Gee Taylor.
He worked for the railroad for many years and retired from the oil & gas industry. After retiring he and Carolyn moved to Yoakum and he became a full-time rancher. He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and the masonic lodge. He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, traveling, feeding the wildlife, hunting and horses.
Survivors: daughter, Shannon Swor (Winston); granddaughters, Taylor Swor and Tara Swor.
Preceded in death by: parents; wife, Carolyn Stevens Taylor; son, Daron Taylor; brother, Bobby Taylor.
Visitation 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.
Funeral service 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 22, 2025 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home with Pastor Rusty Bailey officiating. Burial County Line Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to County Line Cemetery or Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
Just weeks after a string of vandalism rattled downtown Cuero, several businesses have once again been targeted in a wave of property damage that occurred sometime between late Friday evening and early Sunday morning. Cuero Police Chief Steve Ellis confirmed the incidents and stated that investigators have identified a person of interest after reviewing surveillance footage from the area.
Among the affected properties was the Edward Jones building, located prominently at the corner of Gonzales and Main. Landlord Frank Burns had just completed repairs to the building’s glass façade on Friday—only to find it damaged again days later. The timing has left many business owners frustrated and concerned about the safety of the downtown corridor.
“This is not just about broken windows,” said one local merchant. “It’s about the sense of security we’re trying to rebuild.”
Chief Ellis emphasized that the Cuero Police Department is actively pursuing leads and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses. He urged residents and business owners with cameras to check for any suspicious activity during the time frame when the vandalism likely occurred.
“We’re asking anyone with surveillance cameras in the area to please review their footage from late Friday evening until early Sunday morning,” Ellis said. “Even small details could help us move this case forward.”
This latest incident mirrors the July 21st vandalism spree that left windows shattered at Wells Fargo Bank, Primrose Cottage Boutique, and the Edward Jones building. At that time, authorities suspected the damage may have been caused by thrown rocks and possibly coordinated.
The recurrence of vandalism has reignited calls for increased patrols and community vigilance. While no arrests have been made yet, Chief Ellis assured Cuero Online News that updates will be provided as soon as a suspect is taken into custody.
Residents with information or footage are encouraged to contact the Cuero Police Department directly at (361) 277-3552 or via Messenger, rather than posting leads publicly.
As Cuero continues to invest in revitalizing its historic downtown, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of community cooperation and swift response. For now, business owners like Frank Burns are left repairing damage and hoping for accountability
In a time when trust in institutions can feel fragile, DeWitt County has a quiet force of stability in Billy Jordan. Whether he’s coordinating emergency response from his office or standing on the sidelines at Friday night football games in Cuero, working EMS with calm precision, Jordan is everywhere—and always focused on keeping the community safe.
As DeWitt County’s Emergency Management Coordinator, Floodplain Administrator, and Safety Coordinator, Jordan wears many hats. His responsibilities range from disaster preparedness and public safety outreach to managing floodplain regulations and coordinating emergency alerts. He’s the one behind the scenes making sure burn bans are enforced, evacuation plans are ready, and that families have the tools they need when disaster strikes.
Billy Jordan, DeWitt County’s Emergency Management Coordinator, takes a moment during senior BINGO at the Cuero Public Library to share vital information about the Hazard Mitigation Survey—ensuring every voice helps shape the future safety of our community. – City of Cuero Public Library -Cuero, Tx August 15, 2025
But right now, he’s asking for something from us.
Planning for Tomorrow: The Hazard Mitigation Survey
Jordan is currently working with hazard mitigation experts out of Austin to update DeWitt County’s Hazard Mitigation Action Plan. This plan is more than paperwork—it’s a blueprint for how our community will prepare for and respond to natural and human-made disasters. From floods and tornadoes to hazardous materials and civil unrest, the plan aims to reduce long-term risks to life and property.
To make it work, they need input from the people who know Cuero best: its residents.
The Hazard Mitigation Public Survey is now open, and it’s your chance to help shape the safety strategy for our neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. The survey asks about your experiences with disasters, your concerns about future risks, and what steps you’ve taken—or would like to take—to make your home more resilient. It’s a rare opportunity to be part of the planning process before the next emergency hits.
A Familiar Face with a Steady Voice
Jordan’s presence at community events isn’t just symbolic—it’s personal. He listens. He explains. He makes sure people understand what’s at stake. And when disaster does strike, he’s not just coordinating from a distance—he’s often right there in the thick of it.
His work with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), CodeRed alerts, and flood damage prevention orders shows a commitment not just to response, but to prevention. And his current push to get the Hazard Mitigation Plan updated is a testament to his forward-thinking leadership.
Why It Matters
In a world full of headlines about distant threats, it’s easy to overlook the people quietly keeping us safe right here at home. Billy Jordan is one of those people. His work isn’t flashy, but it’s foundational. And with the Hazard Mitigation Plan underway, he’s inviting all of us to take part in building a safer, stronger DeWitt County.
So if you’ve ever wondered how to make a difference in your community’s future, this is your moment. Fill out the Hazard Mitigation Survey. Share your concerns. Offer your ideas. And know that someone like Billy Jordan is listening—and leading.
CUERO — The beloved “Brunch Buddies & Bingo” event is making its return this fall, inviting local seniors aged 55 and up to enjoy a lively morning of food, fellowship, and fun.
Scheduled for Thursday, September 11th, the gathering will take place from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM in the Education Room at Cuero Regional Hospital. Attendees can look forward to a free brunch, a healthcare presentation, and several rounds of Bingo, all designed to foster connection and community spirit.
Organizers note that space is limited to the first 50 participants, and RSVPs are required. Seniors interested in attending are encouraged to call 361-275-6191 to reserve their spot.
For additional information, contact Nikki Lantz at nlantz@cuerohospital.org.
Whether you’re a Bingo enthusiast or simply looking to share a meal and conversation, this event promises a warm welcome and a good time for all.
YOAKUM: Lorraine Sanchez Guardiola of Yoakum, TX was surrounded by her loving family when she was called home on Friday, August 15, 2025. Lorraine was born on December 11, 1930 in Yoakum to the late Desiderio and Eluteria Sanchez.
Lorraine, “Nana”, as she was known to her family, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was a compassionate, loving, faithful servant, and a beautiful person. Lorraine was a treasure to her family and will be dearly missed.
She worked at Tex-Tan Leather Co. and Torel for a number of years before retiring. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She enjoyed being around her family, playing bingo and dominoes and especially Wahoo marble game. She was famous for her incredible lemon meringue pie and tamales. She loved listening to music especially Elvis. She enjoyed a good cup of black coffee all day long!
She is survived by son, Joe Guardiola, Jr. (Marie) of China Springs, daughters, Sylvia Stein (Tim) of Alvin, Irma Chomout (James) of Yoakum, Dolores Hairell (Rick) of Yoakum; grandchildren, Brandon Chomout (Jennifer), Paul Stein (Macy), Lynn Moon (Tony), Joseph Guardiola (Shelby), Sara Guardiola, Emily Broden, Davi Spaeth, Claire Eckhardt, and Caroline Spaeth; 11 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law Peme Sanchez; numerous nieces and nephews.
Lorraine is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Lupe Vera, brothers, Pete Sanchez and John Sanchez, Sr. and granddaughter, Annette Marie Vera.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, Wednesday, August 20, 2025, with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 pm at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Thursday, August 21, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Matthew Huehlefeld officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Mausoleum.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Chomout, Paul Stein, Joey Guardiola, Alex Guardiola, Orlando Guardiola, Pat Guardiola, and Rene Guardiola.
Honorary pallbearers include her grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The family requests that memorial donations be made in Lorraine’s memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Joseph School Endowment Fund.
There’s something about certain dishes—especially the ones we can’t quite find—that linger in our hearts longer than they ever did on our plates. They’re not just about ingredients or instructions. They’re about remembering. About trying to hold onto something that felt like home.
Cuero Online News recently received one of those quiet, tender emails that carries far more than a simple request. Mrs. Heidi Doreck was looking for a recipe.
She explained that her mother, Lois Senf Doreck—who would have been 95 this past April—had a dear friend named Mrs. Pilat. Mrs. Pilat lived behind KN Root Beer in Cuero, near Heidi’s Aunt Rae Stahl, and she was known for one particular tradition: she made Prune Cake for every wedding or baby shower.
“I have not had that prune cake since I was a small child, but I would love to have the recipe,” Heidi wrote.
Over the years, she’s asked—neighbors, longtime Cuero residents, anyone who might remember. But no one had the recipe or recalled Mrs. Pilat. She remembered asking her mother about it after Mrs. Pilat passed away, and her mother gently replied, “Oh honey, I doubt she had an actual recipe…”
Her story reminded me that sometimes, what we’re searching for isn’t just a recipe—it’s a way to feel close to someone we’ve loved. A flavor that lives somewhere between memory and longing.
I don’t know exactly what Heidi was feeling when she wrote to us—but I know what stories like hers stir in me. After my own mother passed away, I found myself doing the same thing—chasing a memory. Looking for the scent of something familiar, the texture of a dish she used to make, the comfort of a flavor that felt like her.
It wasn’t just about food. It was about connection. About holding onto something that felt like home.
Little did Heidi know, I have a small collection of old recipe books from DeWitt County church organizations—humble, spiral-bound volumes filled with recipes submitted by church members. Some pages are stained with vanilla or dotted with flour—proof they were used, loved, and passed around more than once. These aren’t just cookbooks. They’re community heirlooms—filled with handwritten notes, family names, and dishes that showed up at every potluck, every funeral meal, every celebration.
That’s the thing about these old recipes. Sometimes they were never written down. They lived in the hearts of the women who made them, passed along through memory and repetition, not measurements and timers.
One day, I hope to digitize them and donate both the files and the books to the historical commission—if they’ll have them. Because preserving these recipes means preserving the stories behind them.
So when Heidi’s request came in, I went straight to the shelves. I combed through several cookbooks, hoping to find Mrs. Pilat’s name or a familiar prune cake tucked between the pages. But after hours of searching, I realized it might be easier to Google the recipe.
And I did. Google lead me to a few prune cake recipes —some with buttermilk, some with nuts, some with a caramel glaze.
So while I didn’t find Mrs. Pilat’s exact recipe (yet), I’d like to share a version of Prune Cake that might come close. And while we’re at it, here’s a recipe I came across that I think might belong to my friend Tom’s mother—just another reminder of how these books connect us in unexpected ways. (plus a few other submissions)
If any of our readers remember Mrs. Pilat—or especially if you have her Prune Cake recipe—please reach out. We’d love to share it, preserve it, and pass it on.
Because somewhere out there, someone else might be chasing the same memory.
Prune Cake
Prep Time15 min Cook Time45 min Yield16 servings
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup canola oil
3 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pitted dried plums (prunes), cooked
1 cup chopped nuts
TOPPING:
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine first 6 ingredients. Add oil, eggs, buttermilk and vanilla; mix well. Fold in prunes and nuts. Pour into an ungreased 13×9-in. baking pan. Bake until toothpick comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, combine all topping ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil 2 minutes. Pour over hot cake. Leave in pan to cool.
You can serve this prune cake either warm or chilled. However, serving it hot out of the oven is not recommended for two reasons. First, you’ll want to be sure to allow enough time for the glaze to fully soak into the cake. Second, this cake is quite moist, so you want to give it enough cooling time so it doesn’t crumble when cut. It has its own glaze, so it doesn’t need a sauce, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream would go nicely alongside it.
How should you store prune cake?
To store prune cake, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Cover the pan with storage wrap, or place the cake in an airtight container like a cake keeper. The cake can last for up to five days at room temperature. Because of the glaze, avoid placing storage wrap directly on the cake.
To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. Cover the pan with storage wrap and aluminum foil, or slice the cake and place in an airtight container. Prune cake can last in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or go the extra mile by gently reheating it in the oven to reawaken its sugary glaze.
One of the advertisements featured in the cookbook.
Published Author, Photographer, Genealogist, Blog Writer
This year, Yorktown’s opening football game—scheduled for August 29, 2025—is about more than just the scoreboard. The Wildcats are joining forces with Karnes City in the statewide Peanut Butter Bowl®, a unique initiative where high school teams compete not only on the field, but in service to their communities.
The Peanut Butter Bowl® is a hunger relief campaign that invites schools to collect jars of peanut butter—one of the most requested items at food pantries—to support families in need. Every jar donated, whether in person or online, helps stock shelves at local organizations chosen by each school’s coaching staff.
Yorktown Secondary Campus will host a drop-off location in its front office, where students, families, and community members can bring jars of peanut butter throughout the week. For those who prefer to give online, donations can be made at PeanutButterBowl.com, where every $2 equals one jar.
The Wildcats are also competing for the Champions Cup, awarded to the school that collects the highest total of peanut butter—combining both physical and online donations. But the effort goes beyond football. Feeder schools, band, cheer, dance, and student organizations are all invited to participate, building campus-wide unity around a shared cause.
“This is a chance for Yorktown to show what Wildcats are made of,” said organizers. “We don’t just play hard—we give big.”
The goal is simple: unity, pride, and service. Every jar makes a difference, and together, Yorktown is proving that when it comes to fighting hunger, #WeAllWin.
Jose A. Salinas, 78, of Yorktown passed away Saturday, August 9th, 2025. He was born March 10,1947, in Yorktown to the late Preciliano Salinas and Esparanza Sepeda Naranjo. He was “One Hell of a Heavy Equipment Operator” and he was loved by everyone that knew him.
He is survived by his sons/daughter, David Salinas-Yorktown, James Salinas-Victoria, and Melissa Salinas-San Antonio. He has 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. His nephews are Robert, Danny and Raul Salinas, James and Jerry Salinas, Ray and Joe Garcia. His nieces are Linda Flores, and Melinda Garcia. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Emma Garcia.
He is preceded in death by his parents Preciliano Salinas and Esparanza Sepeda Naranjo, brothers Raul and Arturo Salinas and his nephew, Larry Salinas.
Memorial Service will be at 10 am on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 at Massey Funeral Home.
YOAKUM: Lonnie Ray Grigsby, died on August 14, 2025 at the age of 81. Lonnie was born to the late Lonnie Buck and Hazel B. Jones on May 12, 1944 in Yoakum, Tx.
Lonnie was proud to be a LVN nurse for over 40 years. She worked at Stevens Nursing & Rehab for many years and at Yoakum ISD until retirement. Her kindness will be remembered forever.
Lonnie is survived by her son, Sean Samuel(Catarina), and daughter, Kecia Jones. Lonnie is also survived by her grandchildren, Kiyelle, Kiyson and Kiyler Samuel; Amber Jones, Daija Jones-Green, Tate Hights, Tujuan, Hali, Hanna, Jamiel, Ashleigh and Raeian Samuel; great-grandchildren, Everett Romero, Raesean Samuel and Jermiah Samuel; brothers Lonnie Leo Jones and Kevin Johnson; sisters Sandra K. Jones and Karen Wren James.
Lonnie is preceded in death by her husband Earnest Grigsby, her parents and her sister Barbara Prince.
Visitation will begin at Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 9:30 a.m at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home Chapel with Funeral Services following at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Lynn Gates officiating. Burial to follow at Yoakum Restland Cemetery.
Over the years, she’s asked—neighbors, longtime Cuero residents, anyone who might remember. But no one had the recipe or recalled Mrs. Pilat. She remembered asking her mother about it after Mrs. Pilat passed away, and her mother gently replied, “Oh honey, I doubt she had an actual recipe…”
That’s the thing about these old recipes. Sometimes they were never written down. They lived in the hearts of the women who made them, passed along through memory and repetition, not measurements and timers.
